The NIA President lamented on the patronage of foreign architects to execute what their Nigerian counterparts can do far more better.

His words; “The architect is the master builder. He conceives the idea and transfers to a paper through sketch where another person can read his mind.

“It is a pity things are no longer happening in our country. Now what is happening in our country, you see Chinese bringing this sort of package they call “loan,” but they go further to put conditions. ‘our men will do the work’. They will do the design, they will do the construction, and our governments are willing to have it that way.”

“We are not happy about it because Nigerian architects have the capacity to design all over the world.” “We cannot go to China to do their works for them.” He added.

Articulating his vision as NIA President, Arch. Njoku said he looks forward to ensuring a reduction in the cost of housing delivery despite some challenges affecting the housing sector. He disclosed that plans were already in place to launch the ‘Nigeria Affordable House’.

“Although alternatives to expensive building materials have been discovered, it is hand woven by somebody which makes the cost higher. Therefore, a strategy to mechanize the whole process is being worked on to reduce cost of production. Nigeria Affordable House is already on the way. We will present it to the public next year.” He assured.